Black history offers armor for generations

When I was growing up in the segregated South, black history was a tool used to help create the suit of armor black children needed to survive and prosper.

Little did I know that the everyday lessons I got -- like walking through the doors of a school named for a black historical figure -- would be so important.

But they were. In a real sense, black history saved my life.

The following story contains excerpts from Charlayne Hunter-Gault's book, "In My Place," in which she recalls her years in elementary and high school leading up to the historic battle she and a fellow student fought to gain entry to the University of Georgia.